The Democratic Alliance (DA) has given the local municipality 21 days to address the current sewer crisis.
Should the municipality not address the crisis, the DA will take the matter up with the South African Human Rights Commission.
According to Mr Tim Denny, a local DA councillor, raw sewage spills have been a problem in the municipality for years.
“We have been raising this matter with Council time and time again, but every time we have been ignored.
“The municipal council and by extension the provincial government, have failed to address this crisis, leaving us with no choice but to approach the Human Rights Commission.
“Within 14 days we want a concise plan to address this health crisis.”
This drastic step came after an in-depth investigation by Mr Denny and the Ridge Times.
At least five sewer pump stations are currently not working in Govan Mbeki Municipality and this directly affects residents of eMbalenhle, Bethal, Secunda and surrounding areas.
Residents are particularly concerned with waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and E.Coli infections.
Raw sewage from Govan Mbeki Municipality is also polluting the greater Vaal catchment area.
Following the investigation, Mr Denny explained there was a catastrophic break down of all raw sewage disposal, handling and control processes by Govan Mbeki Municipality.
“With water being polluted in this way, we risk major health issues.”
He explained that the cause of this crisis is well known.
“Poor maintenance and shoddy workmanship resulted in blockages, spillages and malfunctioning pump stations.”
The DA also called on the management of the provincial Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to conduct an urgent inspection of the five faulty pump stations that are pouring sewage into the streams and streets.
“We also call on the ANC-led municipality to act immediately and fix all the sewage pumps before people get seriously ill.
“Those residents affected by the pollution are the most vulnerable in our community and deserve to be protected by our municipality.”
Govan Mbeki Municipality did not comment.
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